There are three train stations in Vienna two are about a 40 minute hike from our place and 30 to 45 minutes walk from down town. We have been going to one or the other to plan our trips. We found the third station was only a 13 minutes walk and is the newest and the most modern. This is great news since our backpacks are getting heavier with every city we stay in. We went up to the main train station and finalised our plans for Thursday, a round trip to Melk, Friday we start returning westward to Passau, Saturday, Rothenburg. Frankfurt on the ninth and the flight home on the tenth.
Returning from the train station, We walked through the gardens of the Belvadere Palace. This was the palace of prince Edward of Savoy. He was a Frenchman that was said to be too short and ugly to be of service to Louis XIV. He offered his services to the Habsburgs. He was a military genius helping Austria win its battles becoming very rich in the process. He built this palace with his riches.
If you have seen the movie "Woman In Gold", this is the palace where the painting hung before it was restored to its rightful owners. It is also said that Edward had a pet lion that died shortly after Edwards death. No one knows if it died grief stricken; or, by the hand of one of the servents who was terrified of it. It seems if you have a large enough place you will have an extensive collection of animals. All in all a very interesting palace.
We met George and Sue at the St Stephens Cathedral. Once visited, we took the U3 underground to University stop and the 38 tram to Grinzing. It is a picturesque little town on the edge of the city known for its many taverns. Heuriger is the name given to Eastern Austrian wine taverns that serve sumptuous food and young wine grown locally. We walked by many taverns that didn't open till after 1500. We did find two. One served us a noon time meal while the other pastries.
Entry gate
Main course
Dessert
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